08/08/2024
James Russell Betts, Jr., 83, of Theodore, AL passed away after a brief illness on August 4, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Russell was born on September 21, 1940 in Repton, Alabama to James R Betts, Sr. and Anna Ruth McDonald. He graduated from Theodore High School and then trained to be an electrician. He was a member of the Local 505 IBEW. Russell loved farming and loved spending time with his family. He served as a deacon at South Mobile First Baptist Church and also volunteered as a member of the Fowl River Volunteer Fire Department.
Russell is preceded in death by his parents, James R Betts, Sr. and Anna Ruth McDonald Betts.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth V. Betts; daughter, Kelly Betts Adler (Ron); son, James Russell "Rusty" Betts, III (Gina); grandchildren, Noel Karpanty (Kaiser), Morgan Reeves, Lauren Betts, Kayla Betts, Courtney Hatcher; great-grandchildren, Oliver Karpanty, Beckham Karpanty, Andi Rose Karpanty; sister-in-law; Mildred Johnson; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Russell's family will celebrate his life with a funeral service on Thursday August 8, 2024, at 10:00 am at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with a visitation beginning one hour prior. Interment will take place in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Moody, Brad Johnson, Patrick Pryor, Mike Gregory, Tim Padgett, and Mark Dennis. Steve Nelson and Ron Bowman will serve as honorary pallbearers.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Angel and Dr. Blankenship for their concern and their role in Russell's diagnosis. They would also like to extend their thanks to St. Joseph's Hospice Care for the excellent care they gave Russell.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to South Mobile First Baptist Church, 3770 Fowl River Rd. Theodore, Al 36582.
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